The When You're Ready Project is a community for survivors of sexual violence to share their stories and have their voices heard, finding strength in one another. When you're ready to share your story, we'll be here.

Share Your Story

Are you ready to share your story? I’m here for you. We are all here for you. It’s scary, I know, I shared mine here and here. Take your time, and when you’re ready you can use the form below, or submit directly to me via email. – Lauren

Submission Guidelines:

Share as much or as little information as you’re comfortable sharing.

Express yourself in any medium you wish: written stories, videos, photos, poems, and art work are all welcome.

Use this as an opportunity to share your story with other survivors – not to name your rapist/attacker. WYR will not publish names or identifying details of anyone except for you, and then only with your permission.

Story Title

Title:
Please use the format: Lauren's Story: He Probably Doesn't Even Remember That Night

Please include a name you would like to use - it doesn't need to be your name, you may wish to use an alias or abbreviation. If you leave the field blank, it will be posted as "Anonymous Story".

Your Story

Please enter your story here. Express yourself - it may be a short note, a long story, a poem, or a letter./p>

Image

Would you like to include an image with your story?

Tags

Check any of the boxes you feel describe your story. These will be used to create Tags for your post, to help others find stories that fit a pattern.

Child abuseHigh SchoolCollegeAdulthoodI don't remember what happenedI remember what happenedI reported itI did not report itI've never told anyoneI knew my rapistWe were in a relationshipRaped by a strangerRaped by a family memberI was drinkingI wasn't sure if it was rapeI didn't think anyone would believe meI blamed myselfDate Rape DrugsI was a virginI became pregnantI got an STDSubstance AbuseCampusFraternityMilitaryWorkplace

Next steps...

When you share your story, it will go to our team (listed under "About the WYR Project" at the top of this page) to be reviewed and posted. If you enter your email here, you will receive a copy of your submission and a personal response to your Story from one of our team members. Your email will not be posted with your story, or used for any other purpose, and it will not be shared with anyone, ever.

Email:

If you are comfortable, can you please let us know how you found WYR? I am thankful that you did and want to know how to best reach other survivors.

Are you ready to submit?

Sharing your story can be an intense and emotional experience, and you shouldn't do so until you're sure you're ready. If you are ready, we are here for you. The other survivors who have shared their stories are here for you. I urge you to consider setting aside time to do this, as some unexpected emotions may arise (they did when I pushed "submit" on my story).

We will never share your story without your permission, you can always take it down by emailing lauren@whenyoureready.org.

My name is Lauren Reid. I’m the founder of the When You’re Ready Project and administrator of this site. I’m a rape survivor. I carried my secret for 15 years and have an acute appreciation for the importance of giving you control of your Story. I also understand that over time, you may change your …

Sharing your story takes courage, but know that you are doing something amazing. You’re making it safe for others to come forward and bringing the problem of sexual violence to light by keeping this very important conversation going.

I cannot offer you professional advice on how to handle the very big step you’re about to take (or …